REFLECTIONS
Reflections PEACE ON EARTH
Teresita Bacani-Oropilla , MD
In the reign of the emperor Augustus Caesar ( BC 63 to AD 14 ), there was peace in the known Roman world . Caesar had declared a census , so that people must register in their places of origin , when a child of humble means was born in the little town of Bethlehem in Judea . The message at His birth was , “ Peace on earth , goodwill to men .” It would influence the world ’ s thoughts and morals for years to come . Twenty centuries later , this message is still carried on in various forms , especially at Christ ’ s birthday , which we call Christmas .
In remote places in Asia , the Pacific Isles , Africa , ‘ Down Under ’ Australia , where missionaries had kept the Christian faith alive , songs of love and joy are sung at religious and secular gatherings , followed by feasts and gift giving . They vary from the very humble , as in sharing the one fatted hen ( not calf !) for the occasion , to lavish town get-togethers . Many places have traditions that they keep : lantern festivals to simulate the star of the East , Santa Claus or his ilk to pass out gifts and candies , processions to commemorate the happy event , crèches with camels , sheep and the lowly cattle , and singing angels to reenact the lowly birth . Metropolitan cities of these worlds , the Americas and Eurasia , meantime , outdo each other in solemn celebrations , innovations and brilliant displays both religious and not . Many a fortune has been made or lost in the commercialization and competition engendered by these seasonal events . Some practices have even become the gist for disagreements , injecting an entirely different light of controversy for an unrelated agenda .
Fortunately , despite distractions , the spirit of love and caring remains . This is evidenced by increased drives to help the less fortunate . At this time , many persons are prepared to give food , clothing , necessities ( diapers ?), donate scholarships , and volunteer their time and efforts towards charitable causes . Underneath the pomp and circumstance , the basic core of love still remains . Families gather , slights are forgiven , reconciliations take place . Most find joy in giving to make the recipients of their gifts happy , even at a cost and sacrifice , because of love .
As to the “ Peace on Earth ” part of the message however , humanity seems to have had an erratic grade throughout the centuries . From the time of hand to hand combat to the present space age , we seem to have the urge to outdo , and do in , each other . Now that we have instant global communications , we can escalate our quarrels and posturing through television , Facebook , Twitter , telephones , instant messaging . We can bully through Facetime . We can destroy careers , expose skeletons long hidden in closets , harass and delay the workings of government , and even incite global wars .
On the other hand , just as the wave of catastrophes has washed over the USA and the world , ie : the hurricanes devastating cities in Texas , Florida and Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean ; the loss of human lives by shootings and truck murders in Las Vegas and too many cities ; and wildfires that whoosh through and wipe out entire neighborhoods in California . The more fortunate have been quick to respond with sympathy and material help - and they have not tired yet .
What grade do we give ourselves then ? Do we deserve a passing grade ?
On “ Goodwill to men ?” ( Sometimes .) On “ Peace on earth ?” ( Not often enough .)
Maybe , we can take a quiet break in our hearts and as in the days of Pax Romana , return to where we originated , and allow peace to settle in .
May the Spirit of Christmas be with all of us now and throughout the coming year .
Dr . Bacani-Oropilla is a retired psychiatrist .
24 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE